Energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter

ABSTRACT

The energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter has at least one electromechanical transducer with a rectifier circuit connected downstream and with a voltage converter circuit. A logic circuit configuration is connected to the voltage converter circuit. The logic circuit configuration has a sequence controller a memory in which an identification code is stored. The energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter also has a radiofrequency transmission stage that is connected to the logic circuit configuration and a transmission antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of copending InternationalApplication No. PCT/DE01/01965, filed May 21, 2001, which designated theUnited States and was not published in English.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an energy self-sufficient radiofrequencytransmitter, the use thereof, and also to a method for the energyself-sufficient transmission of a radiofrequency signal.

Energy self-sufficient systems in which mechanical energy is convertedinto electrical energy using a piezoelectric transducer and thenrectified are known in the prior art. The electrical energy is used todrive simple resonant circuits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an energyself-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter and a method for the energyself-sufficient transmission of a radiofrequency signal that enable thecommunication of information to be improved.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, inaccordance with the invention, an energy self-sufficient radiofrequencytransmitter, including: at least one electromechanical transducer; arectifier circuit connected downstream from the transducer; a voltageconverter circuit; a logic circuit configuration connected to thevoltage converter circuit; a radiofrequency transmission stage connectedto the logic circuit configuration; and at least one transmissionantenna. The logic circuit configuration includes a sequence controllerand a memory for storing an identification code.

In accordance with an added feature of the invention, theelectromechanical transducer includes at least one piezoelectricelement.

In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, thepiezoelectric element is a bending transducer.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, theelectromechanical transducer includes at least one induction coil.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the voltageconverter circuit includes an energy storage element.

In accordance with another added feature of the invention, the voltageconverter circuit can be operated in a clocked manner.

In accordance with another additional feature of the invention, there isprovided, at least one capacitor for storing energy. The capacitor isconnected between the rectifier circuit and the voltage regulatingcircuit.

In accordance with a further added feature of the invention, the logiccircuit configuration includes at least one component selected from agroup consisting of at least one microprocessor and an ASIC.

In accordance with a further additional feature of the invention, thereis provided, at least one sensor connected to the logic circuitconfiguration.

In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, the logiccircuit configuration is embodied using ULP technology.

In accordance with yet an additional feature of the invention, the logiccircuit configuration has clock generator including an LC resonantcircuit or an RC resonant circuit.

In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, theradiofrequency transmission stage is constructed for transmitting aradiofrequency signal having a frequency of greater than 1 MHz.

In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, theradiofrequency transmission stage is constructed for transmitting aradiofrequency signal having a frequency between 100 MHz and 30 GHz.

In accordance with yet a further added feature of the invention, theradiofrequency signal can have a bandwidth of more than 100 kHz.

In accordance with yet another added feature of the invention, a delaydevice is connected between the logic circuit configuration and thetransmission antenna.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, inaccordance with the invention, a method for energy self-sufficientlytransmitting a radiofrequency signal.

The method includes: using an electromechanical transducer to convert amechanical movement into a voltage signal; obtaining a rectified voltagesignal by rectifying the voltage signal; converting the rectifiedvoltage signal to produce a voltage level that is constant at least insections; after converting the rectified signal, using the rectifiedvoltage signal to supply energy to at least one logic circuitconfiguration; using the logic circuit configuration to communicate atleast one identification code to a radiofrequency transmission stage;and using the radiofrequency transmission stage and a transmissionantenna to radiate a radiofrequency signal containing the identificationcode.

In accordance with an added mode of the invention, the step of using thelogic circuit configuration to communicate the identification code tothe radiofrequency transmission stage includes: reading out theidentification code from a memory of the logic circuit configuration;generating a transmission telegram including the identification code;activating the radiofrequency transmission stage; and modulating aradiofrequency oscillation with the transmission telegram.

In accordance with an additional mode of the invention, the methodincludes providing measurement data obtained from at least one sensor tothe logic circuit configuration; and impressing the measurement data onthe radiofrequency signal.

In accordance with another mode of the invention, the method includesradiating a plurality of radiofrequency signals one after another; eachone of the plurality of the radiofrequency signals having a completeinformation content.

In accordance with a further mode of the invention, the method includesvariably setting a time interval of individual ones of the plurality ofthe radiofrequency signals with respect to one another.

In accordance with a further added mode of the invention, the methodincludes variably setting a frequency of individual ones of theplurality of the radiofrequency signals with respect to one another.

In accordance with a further additional mode of the invention, themethod includes encrypting information of the radiofrequency signal.

In accordance with yet an added mode of the invention, the methodincludes differently encrypting a plurality of radiofrequency signals.

In accordance with yet an additional mode of the invention, the methodincludes radiating the radiofrequency signal in a time-delayed manner.

In accordance with another added mode of the invention, the methodincludes transmitting the radiofrequency signal with a bandwidth greaterthan 100 kHz.

In accordance with another additional mode of the invention, the methodincludes transmitting the radiofrequency signal with a frequency ofgreater than 1 MHz.

In accordance with a further mode of the invention, the method includestransmitting the radiofrequency signal with a frequency of between 100MHz and 30 GHz.

To that end the radiofrequency transmitter has at least oneelectromechanical transducer with a rectifier circuit connecteddownstream and at least one voltage converter circuit. A logic circuitconfiguration is connected to the voltage converter circuit. The logiccircuit configuration includes at least one sequence controller and amemory in which an identification code is stored. A radiofrequencytransmission stage is connected to the logic circuit configuration andis controlled by the logic circuit configuration. The radiofrequencysignals generated by the radiofrequency transmission stage are radiatedby at least one transmission antenna.

An electromechanical transducer is understood to be a general componentin which mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy, forexample, a piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elementor an electromagnetic induction coil.

The mechanical energy can be generated, for example, from:

-   -   a manual actuation of a switch, pushbutton or another operating        element;    -   a directed mechanical force action, for example the opening or        closing of windows or doors or stop switches in industrial        installations;    -   a pressure change, for example in liquids or gases; or    -   a vibration, for example, on machines, wheels, vehicles.

The voltage generated by the transducer is rectified by the rectifiercircuit and is then forwarded to a voltage converter. The voltageconverter ensures that a constant voltage can be tapped off at leastover a short period of time. As a result, voltage spikes are avoided,and moreover, the operating reliability is increased.

The connection between the rectifier and the voltage converter can beeffected directly or via a current storage element that is additionallypresent, e.g. a capacitor. When a capacitor is present, by way ofexample, the downstream voltage converter can convert a typicallyexponentially falling charging voltage of the capacitor into a constantvoltage at least for a short time. However, the converter can also storethe electrical voltages itself.

Given the presence of a sufficient voltage signal for supplying energyto the logic circuit configuration, the logic circuit configurationcommunicates at least one identification code, and if appropriate, otherinformation as well, for example sensor measurement signals, to theradio-frequency transmission stage. In the radiofrequency transmissionstage, the voltage signal is used to generate a radiofrequency signalcontaining the identification code and to radiate it via thetransmission antenna.

This method for the energy self-sufficient communication of signals hasthe advantage that the degree of utilization of the energy supplied bythe transducer, with respect to the information density that can beemitted, is very high. Although such a system consumes a higherelectrical energy per unit time compared with simple resonant circuitsit is nonetheless possible to transmit a more than proportionally highinformation density per unit time relative thereto. Altogether, thisresults in a better utilization of the electrical energy made availableby the transducer.

In order to achieve a high efficiency and a compact design, it isadvantageous if the electromechanical transducer contains at least onepiezoelement, in particular a piezoelectric bending transducer.

It is also preferred, e.g. in order to achieve an inexpensiveconstruction, if the electromechanical transducer contains at least oneinduction coil.

In order to ensure a sufficiently long energy supply, it is advantageousif at least one energy storage element, e.g. in the form of a capacitor,for storing current is present between the rectifier circuit and thevoltage converter circuit.

In order to increase the efficiency, it is favorable, moreover, if thevoltage converter circuit is equipped with a further energy storageelement. In particular, this is favorable if the voltage convertercircuit is operated in a clocked manner.

It is additionally favorable if the logic circuit configuration isconnected to at least one sensor. As a result, in addition to theidentification code, measurement data from the at least one sensor canalso be acquired or read out by the logic circuit configuration and themeasurement data can be impressed on the radiofrequency signal.

It is also advantageous if, given a voltage supply over a sufficientlylong time, a plurality of radiofrequency signals with completeinformation content are radiated one after the other, because thisredundancy creates an increased communication reliability.

For increased security against interception, it is advantageous if theinformation of the radiofrequency signal is encrypted, typically by anencryption logic integrated into the logic circuit configuration. As aresult, it is also possible to increase the transmission reliability byinputting individual keys, for example for access control purposes. Inparticular, when transmitting a plurality of radiofrequency signals, itis favorable if each of the radiofrequency signals is encrypteddifferently, e.g. with a different key.

Moreover, in order to suppress a transmission disturbance, it isfavorable if, when transmitting a plurality of radiofrequency signals,their time interval with respect to one another is variable and/or thefrequency of the individual radiofrequency signals differs.

Likewise for the purpose of increased transmission reliability, inparticular in environments with a plurality of radiofrequencytransmitters, it is advantageous if the radiation of the radiofrequencysignal is time-delayed, for example by the variable, e.g. statistical,setting of a delay. The delay can be realized, for example, in thesoftware of the logic circuit configuration. Using radiofrequencytransmitters with in each case a statistically distributed delay time oftheir delay devices makes it possible to increase the transmissionprobability.

In order to reduce the energy consumption of the radiofrequencytransmitter, it is advantageous if the logic circuit configuration isembodied using ultra low power technology (ULP technology).

It is advantageous if the logic circuit configuration contains amicroprocessor or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)module.

Typically, part of the electrical energy provided by the transducer isused to run up the logic circuit configuration into an operating state.To that end, an oscillating crystal is normally provided as a clockgenerator. For shortening the time for running up the logic circuitconfiguration, it is favorable if, instead of an oscillating crystal, anLC resonant circuit or an RC resonant circuit is present as the clockgenerator.

In order to achieve a high data transmission rate, it is advantageous ifa signal with a frequency of >1 MHz is transmitted using theradiofrequency transmission stage. By way of example, frequencies F ofbetween 100 MHz and 30 GHz are realized in technology nowadays. However,there is no fundamental upper limit for the frequency.

In order to achieve a high data throughput within a short time, it isadvantageous if the bandwidth of the radiofrequency signal is at least100 KHz.

It is preferred if, during a transmission cycle, the logic circuitconfiguration:

-   -   reads out the identification code, for example, from a memory of        the logic circuit configuration;    -   generates a transmission telegram containing at least the        identification code, and if appropriate, other information, for        example, measurement data from sensors;    -   activates the radiofrequency transmission stage; and    -   modulates the transmission telegram onto the radiofrequency        oscillation, and if appropriate, encrypts it and/or subjects it        to a time delay.

The use of the radiofrequency transmitter is particularly advantageousin traffic technology, in particular automotive technology and railtechnology, and/or in building technology, in particular installationtechnology, for example for controlling domestic appliances, electricalinstallations or for access control purposes.

Individual aspects of using the radiofrequency transmitter will now bedescribed in more detail schematically using a mechanically fed lightswitch as an application. It goes without saying, however, that theinvention is not restricted to this specific application.

a) Voltage Generation:

To generate voltage, i.e. to convert mechanical energy into electricalenergy, a piezoelectric bending transducer is used which, e.g. in thecase of a force action of 5 N, experiences a flexure of 5 mm and buildsup a resulting electrical voltage of 50 V across its inherent capacitorof 50 nF. Transducers with these parameters are known in the prior artand match a commercially available light switch well in terms of thedimensions and mechanical requirements.

b) Voltage Conditioning:

Voltage stabilization is obtained by using a prior art voltage converterwith a high efficiency and a high input voltage dynamic range. If thecharging voltage across the capacitor then falls during operation e.g.from 20 V to 5 V, the stabilization circuit provides a constant 3 V atthe output.

c) Energy Consideration:

The following energy consideration is intended to show that it ispossible to operate a processor circuit and a radiofrequency transmitterfor a short time with the energy generated in our exemplary embodiment:

Let the electrical energy in the bending transducer be E=½ C·U²=½50·10⁻⁹·50² [V² As/V]=62.5 2 μWs, and approximately 50 μWs thereofremain given 80% efficiency of the transducer. An electronic circuitrequiring e.g. approximately 20 mW (3 V and 6.6 mA) can thus be operatedfor a time duration of t=50 μWs/20 mW=2.5 ms.

d) Transmission Rate and Volume of Data:

If a modulation rate of the radiofrequency transmitter of 100 Kbits/s isassumed, then data with a scope of approximately 250 bits can be emittedin this time. This volume of data suffices for encrypting the identityof the switch and also affords the possibility of increasing thetransmission reliability by repeated emission or the application ofcorrelation methods. Moreover, the use of the logic circuitconfiguration, typically a microprocessor or an ASIC, allows encryptionof the data to be transmitted.

e) Radiofrequency Transmitter:

The radiofrequency transmitter is based on a power of 1 mW, whichsuffices to reliably transmit data to every point within a privateresidence. In this case, a typical scenario is that all the switches,for example light switches, upon actuation, emit one or a plurality ofradiofrequency telegrams which are received by a single receiver and thelatter initiates the corresponding actions (lamp on/off, dimming oflamp, etc.).

It goes without saying that the energy self-sufficient radiofrequencytransmitter is not restricted to an application in building technology,but rather can be used universally. Examples of possible fields ofapplication are switch applications such as manually actuated emergencytransmitters, access authorization interrogations, remote controls,other switches, limit switches in industry, traffic, in privatehouseholds, in meters for water, gas and electricity, as motiondetectors, animal monitoring, break-in/theft protection, and generallyin automotive technology for reducing the wiring harness in motorvehicles, or in railroad systems.

An example of an appropriate sensor system application is a sensor fortemperature, pressure, force and other measurement quantities, inparticular for measuring automobile tire pressure and temperature, axletemperature and accelerations on trains, and the temperature or pressureforce of motors and installations in industry.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin an energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter, it isnevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, sincevarious modifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however,together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be bestunderstood from the following description of specific embodiments whenread in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The sole drawing FIGURE schematically shows the different functionalunits of the radiofrequency transmitter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the sole drawing FIGURE in detail, there is shown anelectromechanical transducer 1, preferably a piezoelectric bendingtransducer or an induction coil that enables mechanical energy to beutilized for charge separation and thus for voltage generation. Themechanical energy originates for example from a mechanical force action,(e.g. button pressing) from a pressure change or a vibration. Thevoltage generated is used to charge a capacitor 7 via a rectifiercircuit 2. Alternatively, direct feeding of the voltage regulatingcircuit 3 is also possible, and by way of example, the transducer 1 canstore the charges itself. The downstream voltage conversion isadvantageous in order to generate, from the exponentially fallingcharging voltage of the capacitor 7, a voltage that is constant over ashort period of time for operating the downstream electronics.

The constant voltage is used to activate and supply the downstream logiccircuit configuration 4 and radiofrequency transmission stage 5 as longas the stored energy permits this. The logic circuit configuration 4contains a microprocessor sequence controller, a memory in which theidentity of the measurement location or of the switch is stored, and(optionally) sensor inputs via which one or a plurality of sensors 8 canbe connected.

If a supply voltage is available due to a mechanical energy feed, thenthe following processor-controlled sequence is initiated:

a) reading-out the identification code;b) reading-out the connected sensors 8 (optional);c) encrypting the data (optional);d) generating a transmission telegram containing the identificationcode;e) activating the radiofrequency transmission stage 5; andf) modulating the radiofrequency oscillation with the transmissiontelegram (optionally a number of times as long as sufficient energy isavailable or until a different termination criterion is reached).

The radiofrequency transmission stage 5 generates a radiofrequencyoscillation that is radiated via the transmission antenna 6. Thetransmission telegram generated by the logic circuit configuration 4 ismodulated onto the oscillation.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A switching system comprising: an electromechanicalgeneration means for generating an oscillating voltage; a rectifierelectrically connected to said generation means; a voltage regulatorhaving an input side and an output side; said input side of said voltageregulator being electrically connected to an output side of saidrectifier; first signal transmission means electrically connected tosaid output side of said voltage regulator; said first signaltransmission means comprising a first electromagnetic signal generatorsubcircuit connected to a transmission antenna configured to transmit afirst electromagnetic signal at frequency of between about 100 MHz andabout 30 GHz; signal reception means for receiving the firstelectromagnetic signal transmitted by said first signal transmissionmeans; said signal reception means being adapted to generate a secondsignal in response to said first electromagnetic signal transmitted bysaid first signal transmission means; and a switch having a firstposition and a second position; said switch being in communication withsaid signal reception means; said switch being adapted to change betweensaid first position and said second position in response to said secondsignal.
 14. The switching system according to claim 13, wherein saidelectromechanical generation means is selected from the group consistingof a piezoelectric transducer, an electrostrictive element, amagnetostrictive element, and an electromagnetic induction coil.
 15. Theswitching system according to claim 13, further comprising: electricalenergy storage means having an input side and an output side; said inputside of said electrical storage means being electrically connected tothe output side of said voltage regulator; whereby said electricalenergy storage means is adapted to store an electrical output of saidvoltage regulator, and wherein said electrical energy storage means isadapted to supplement said electrical output of said voltage regulatorto said first signal transmission means with said stored electricaloutput of said voltage regulator.
 16. The switching system according toclaim 15, wherein the first signal transmission means is configured torepeatedly transmit the first electromagnetic signal while sufficientelectrical energy remains in the electrical energy store.
 17. Theswitching system according to claim 13, further comprising: electricalenergy storage means having an input side and an output side; said inputside of said electrical energy storage means being electricallyconnected to the output side of said rectifier; whereby said electricalenergy storage means is adapted to store an electrical output of saidrectifier; and wherein said electrical energy storage means is adaptedto supplement electrical output of said voltage regulator to said firstsignal transmission means with said stored electrical output of saidrectifier.
 18. The switching system according to claim 17, wherein thefirst signal transmission means is configured to repeatedly transmit thefirst electromagnetic signal while sufficient electrical energy remainsin the electrical energy store.
 19. A switching system comprising: anelectromechanical generator for generating an oscillating voltage; arectifier electrically connected to said generator; a voltage regulatorhaving an input side and an output side; said input side of said voltageregulator being electrically connected to an output side of saidrectifier; a first signal transmitter electrically connected to saidoutput side of said voltage regulator; said first signal transmittercomprising a first electromagnetic signal generator subcircuit connectedto a transmission antenna configured to transmit a first electromagneticsignal at frequency of between about 100 MHz and about 30 GHz; a signalreceiver for receiving the first electromagnetic signal transmitted bysaid first signal transmitter; said signal receiver being adapted toinitiate an action in response to said first electromagnetic signaltransmitted by said first signal transmitter; and a switch having afirst condition and a second condition; said switch being incommunication with said signal receiver; said switch being adapted tochange between said first condition and said second condition inresponse to said initiated action.
 20. The switching system according toclaim 19, further comprising an electrical energy store for storingelectrical energy generated by the electromechanical generator, whereinthe first signal transmitter is configured to repeatedly transmit thefirst electromagnetic signal while sufficient electrical energy remainsin the electrical energy store.
 21. A switching system comprising: anelectromechanical generator for generating a voltage; a voltageregulator having an input side and an output side; a first signaltransmitter electrically connected to said output side of said voltageregulator; said first signal transmitter comprising a firstelectromagnetic signal generator subcircuit connected to a transmissionantenna configured to transmit a first electromagnetic signal atfrequency of between about 100 MHz and about 30 GHz; a signal receiverfor receiving the first electromagnetic signal transmitted by said firstsignal transmitter; said signal receiver being adapted to initiate anaction in response to said first electromagnetic signal transmitted bysaid first signal transmitter; and a switch having a first condition anda second condition; said switch being in communication with said signalreceiver; said switch being adapted to change between said firstcondition and said second condition in response to said initiatedaction.
 22. The switching system of claim 21, wherein the voltagegenerated by the electromechanical generator comprise an oscillatingvoltage, the switching system further comprises a rectifier coupled toan output of the electromechanical generator, and the input side of thevoltage regulator is connected to the rectifier.
 23. The switchingsystem according to claim 21, further comprising an electrical energystore for storing electrical energy generated by the electromechanicaltransducer, wherein the first signal transmitter is configured torepeatedly transmit the first electromagnetic signal while sufficientelectrical energy remains in the electrical energy store.
 24. Aself-powered switching system, comprising: an electromechanicalgenerator for generating a voltage across first and second electricalterminals; a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side;said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connectedto said first and second electrical terminals; first signal transmissionmeans electrically connected to said output side of said voltageregulator; said first signal transmission means comprising a firstelectromagnetic signal generator subcircuit connected to a transmitter;and a first tone generator subcircuit having an input side and an outputside; said input side of said tone generator subcircuit being connectedto said output side of said voltage regulator; said output side of saidtone generator subcircuit being connected to said first electromagneticsignal generator subcircuit; wherein said first tone generator and saidfirst electromagnetic signal generator subcircuits comprise a first atleast one programmable encoder circuit; and wherein each of said firstprogrammable encoder circuits is adapted to be programmed to generateone or more unique codes; and wherein each of said unique codesgenerated by each of said first programmable encoder circuits isdifferent from each of said unique codes generated by the others of saidfirst programmable encoder circuits; encryption logic for encryptingdata to be output as a first electromagnetic signal via the first signaltransmission means; signal reception means for receiving the firstelectromagnetic signal transmitted by said first signal transmissionmeans; said signal reception means being adapted to generate a secondsignal in response to said first electromagnetic signal transmitted bysaid first signal transmission means; and a switch having a firstposition and a second position; said switch being in communication withsaid signal reception means; said switch being adapted to change betweensaid first position and said second position in response to said secondsignal.
 25. The switching system according to claim 24, wherein the dataencrypted by the encryption logic includes the one or more unique codes.26. The switching system according to claim 24, further comprising:second signal transmission means comprising a second at least oneprogrammable encoder circuit connected to an antenna; each of saidsecond programmable encoder circuits comprising a second radio frequencygenerator subcircuit and a second tone generator subcircuit; whereineach of said second programmable encoder circuits is adapted to beprogrammed to generate one or more unique codes; and wherein each ofsaid unique codes generated by each of said second programmable encodercircuits is different from each of said unique codes generated by eachof said first programmable encoder circuits, and different from each ofsaid unique codes generated by the others of said second programmableencoder circuits.
 27. A self-powered switching system, comprising: anelectromechanical transducer for voltage generation; a voltage regulatorhaving an input side and an output side; said input side of said voltageregulator being electrically connected to said electromechanicaltransducer; a first signal transmitter electrically connected to saidoutput side of said voltage regulator; said first signal transmittercomprising a first logic circuit connected to a transmitter; and a firstclock generator subcircuit having an input side and an output side; saidinput side of said first clock generator subcircuit being connected tosaid output side of said voltage regulator; said output side of saidfirst clock generator subcircuit being connected to said first logiccircuit; wherein said first clock generator subcircuit and said firstlogic circuit comprise a first at least one programmable encodercircuit; and wherein each of said first programmable encoder circuits isadapted to be programmed to generate one or more codes; and wherein eachof said codes generated by each of said first programmable encodercircuits identifies said first programmable encoder circuit; encryptionmeans for encrypting data to be output as a first electromagnetic signalvia the first signal transmitter; signal reception means for receivingthe first electromagnetic signal transmitted by said first signaltransmitter; said signal reception means being adapted to initiate anaction in response to said first electromagnetic signal transmitted bysaid first signal transmitter; and a switch having a first position anda second position; said switch being in communication with said signalreception means; said switch being adapted to change between said firstposition and said second position in response to said signal receptionmeans.
 28. The self-powered switching system according to claim 27,wherein the data encrypted by the encryption means includes the one ormore codes.
 29. An energy self-sufficient apparatus, comprising: anelectromechanical transducer; a voltage regulating circuit; an input ofsaid voltage regulating circuit being electrically connected to saidelectromechanical transducer; a radio frequency transmission stageelectrically connected to said voltage regulating circuit; aradiofrequency transmitter comprising a first logic circuitconfiguration connected to said radio frequency transmission stage; anda first clock generator; an input side of said first clock generatorbeing connected to an output side of said voltage regulating circuit; anoutput side of said first clock generator being connected to said firstlogic circuit configuration; wherein said first clock generator and saidfirst logic circuit configuration comprise at least one microprocessor;and wherein each of said microprocessors is adapted to read out at leastone identification code and to encrypt data to be output as a radiofrequency telegram via the first radio frequency transmitter; a receiveradapted to receiving the radiofrequency telegram transmitted by saidradio frequency transmission stage; said receiver being adapted toinitiate an action in response to said radiofrequency telegramtransmitted by said radio frequency transmission stage; and a switchhaving an on position and an off position; said switch being incommunication with said receiver; said switch being adapted to changebetween said on position and said off position in response to saidreceiver.
 30. The energy self-sufficient apparatus according to claim29, wherein the data encrypted by the microprocessor includes the atleast identification code.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 29,comprising: a second signal transmission means comprising a second atleast one microprocessor connected to a transmission antenna; each ofsaid second signal transmission means comprising a second radiofrequency transmission stage and a second clock generator; and whereineach of said second microprocessors is adapted to read out at least oneidentification code.
 32. An energy self-sufficient apparatus,comprising: an electromechanical transducer; a voltage regulatingcircuit; an input of said voltage regulating circuit being electricallyconnected to said electromechanical transducer; a first radio frequencytransmission stage electrically connected to said voltage regulatingcircuit; a radiofrequency transmitter comprising a first logic circuitconfiguration connected to said first radio frequency transmissionstage; and a first clock generator; an input side of said first clockgenerator being connected to an output side of said voltage regulatingcircuit; an output side of said first clock generator being connected tosaid logic circuit configuration; wherein said first clock generator andsaid first logic circuit configuration comprise at least onemicroprocessor; and wherein each of said microprocessors is adapted touse a key to encrypt data to be transmitted in a radiofrequency telegramby the radiofrequency transmitter, wherein each key is different; areceiver adapted to receiving the radiofrequency telegram transmitted bysaid first radio frequency transmission stage; said receiver beingadapted to initiate an action in response to said radiofrequencytelegram transmitted by said first radio frequency transmission stage;and a switch having an on position and an off position; said switchbeing in communication with said receiver; said switch being adapted tochange between said on position and said off position in response tosaid receiver.
 33. The energy self-sufficient apparatus according toclaim 32, wherein the data encrypted by the microprocessor includes anidentification code least identification code associated with theswitch.